Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRANCE, v.i. [pràns; W. pranciaw, to frolic, to play a prank, from rhanc, a reaching or craving, the same as rank; Ir. rincim, to dance; Port. brincar, to sport; Sp. brincar, to leap. It is allied to prank, – which see.]

1. To spring or bound, as a horse in high mettle. Now rule thy prancing steed. – Gay.
2. To ride with bounding movements; to ride ostentatiously. Th' insulting tyrant prancing o'er the field. – Addison.
3. To walk or strut about in a showy manner or with war-like parade. – Swift.